When Jia Lan woke up that morning, she felt… divine.
As if someone had taken all the weight off her shoulders and polished her soul clean. Her limbs felt light, her body refreshed, her skin smooth and glowing like fresh cream, and her long hair shimmered across her pillow like a waterfall of black silk. Stretching like a lazy kitten, she blinked in the morning sunlight streaming through her elegant window and murmured to herself:
"That toxin-removal pill really works like magic… If it's this effective, I'll definitely save a few for Grandpa. His old army injuries must hurt more in winter. Grandma too. The whole family should shine like I do now."
She giggled, throwing off the blanket and hopping down onto the polished wooden floor of her beautifully renovated courtyard. Her reflection in the full-length mirror made her pause with admiration—her fair skin glowed, and even her usually soft cheeks looked firmer and more radiant.
Brushing her teeth in front of the wash basin, she muttered with mock solemnity, "After bathing so many times yesterday, I'm not touching water today! The bath and I are officially on a break."
After brushing and washing her face with her system-given skincare, she changed into a soft cream-colored dress with tiny floral embroidery and a pale blue ribbon tied at her waist. She looked like a doll from a noble family—elegant and innocent, yet untouchably divine.
When she entered the dining hall, Aunt Li looked up and gasped. "Oh my—Miss, you look even more beautiful today. What did you eat in your dreams? A pearl?"
Jia Lan sat down with a smile and flicked her hair back. "It's just good sleep, Auntie. First day of college—you know, gotta make an entrance!"
Aunt Li chuckled and placed down a tray with warm soy milk, pan-fried dumplings, and a boiled egg. "Eat up. You need energy to stun your professors too."
"I'll try my best not to blind them," Jia Lan teased.
After a warm breakfast and checking her bag (three times, to be safe), she wheeled out her stylish women's bicycle—personally chosen by her father—and rode off. The breeze kissed her cheeks gently, and the city was just beginning to stir. The sun was golden, the air fragrant, and her white dress fluttered behind her like a cloud. Birds flew beside her, kids waved, and the capital seemed to smile just a bit more that morning.
By the time she reached the university gates, heads were already turning. Boys stared, stunned by her glowing skin and graceful posture. Girls whispered—some with envy, others with admiration. None could look away.
She calmly walked through the campus until she reached the English department. Her class hadn't begun yet, so she entered the room and sat down, choosing a seat by the window. Her desk mate, a girl with a short bob haircut, leaned over with curiosity. "Hello! I'm Lin Yu. You're new, right?"
Jia Lan turned with a soft smile. "Yes. Jia Lan. English major."
"Oh wow, your name suits you. You're really… elegant."
"Thank you," Jia Lan replied politely, glancing around the classroom while chatting with her .
She spotted her dorm mates well, Bai Xue gave her a glare as sharp as a needle. Jia Lan raised an eyebrow, amused. We haven't even exchanged words, and she's already ready for war? Capital pride is serious business, huh.
Soon, Professor Chen entered—a kind-faced elderly man with round glasses. He greeted them in English with a warm smile: "Good morning, students. I'm Professor Chen. Welcome to the English Department."
He invited each student to introduce themselves in English. One by one, nervous voices stammered, broken grammar flying in all directions. Some students blushed. Others just laughed in embarrassment.
Then it was Jia Lan's turn.
She stood up gracefully and spoke with flawless pronunciation, her soft voice filling the room:
"Good morning, Professor Chen. Good morning, everyone. My name is Jia Lan. I'm very honored to study English with all of you. I look forward to learning together and becoming better every day."
Silence.
Even the clock on the wall seemed to pause.
Professor Chen blinked twice, then broke into a wide smile. "Excellent! Miss Jia's pronunciation is very good. Everyone, this is the standard we must aim for."
Bai Xue's lips twitched. She looked like she had swallowed a lemon.
After the introductions, the class continued with some light lessons. Jia Lan took neat notes in her beautiful handwriting.They covered some topic. The class lasted nearly two hours, but Jia Lan remained calm and focused. At the end, Professor Chen announced:
"Tomorrow, we will elect the class monitor and committee members. Those who are interested may prepare and submit your names then."
As the bell rang, Jia Lan's seatmate Lin Yu nudged her. "Let's go to the cafeteria together?"
"Sure."
The cafeteria was busy, but people still turned to look as Jia Lan walked past. Some boys even tried to talk to her while blushing. She nodded politely, but didn't stop.
After a few more classes (all of which she breezed through), everything came easy to her. The classes were long but not tiring for mc everyone else looked like they the done for today .
After long day at college she rode her bicycle back home. Unlike others who felt tired after a long day, Jia Lan was still fresh her body felt light, likely due to the effect of the pill.
The sun was setting, casting golden rays over the city. Children played in the alleys, vendors packed up, and the capital shimmered in twilight. Even her courtyard seemed to glow as she rolled in.
Aunt Li opened the door. "Back already, Miss? How was your first day?"
Jia Lan grinned. "A bit boring, a bit dramatic, but mostly good. Let's eat something comforting today. How about noodles and something sweet?"
"You read my mind," Aunt Li laughed.
While Aunt Li prepared dinner, Jia Lan took a quick shower, changed into soft cotton pajamas, and did her evening skincare routine. At dinner, she and Aunt Li chatted about gossip from the neighborhood rich families and their ridiculous affairs.
"Auntie, you should open a newspaper stand called 'Upper-Class Secrets'," Jia Lan said between laughs.
After dinner, she went to her room to study. The moon rose high above the garden as Aunt Li brought her a glass of warm milk. Jia Lan took it to the veranda and looked up at the moon.
The capital, college, and courtyard all felt like her stage now.
Just then, the soft ding of the system rang in her ears.
Ding! Ding! System Check-in successful!
Reward:
Premium hair & skin care set infused with rare herbs. Results visible within days.
Jia Lan smiled as she read the system message.She is thankful to these products.
Aunt Li came out and joined her under the moonlight. They both sat on the garden bench, laughing and sipping warm milk.
The night was quiet, soft, and perfect.
Tomorrow, she would continue to shine.
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